Where to Stay in La Habana

The Hotel Nacional de Cuba, which was opened on the 30th December, 1930, is one of the most traditional and emblematic hotels in Havana. Its luxury, elegance, distinction and first class services remain intact after six decades of respected leadership in the Cuban hospitality industry. It is a National Monument was declared as World Memory by UNESCO. Al Capone used to run the whole show from here, and countless celebrities throughout history have passed through its doors. There is a room with pictures of all of them. It is located at the beginning of the Malecon, near the new Havana.

We spent 15 days in Cuba and we stayed the whole time in private homes, where we had no problems. In particular, we recommend the house where we stayed in Havana. Alberto is an artist and just started (very badly) renting a room in his house. His apartment is on the 20th floor so you can imagine the views and it has beautiful scenery as well as being very clean ... maybe it's a home "less Cuban and more European" than others, but he loves to talk about Cuba and he is such a wonderful cook that the Cuban experience is 100%. Price 25 CUC per night San Rafael Street, apartment 967 205 (between Hospital and Sword) Mobile: 5378739346 E-mail: albertopiso20@gmail.com it is in Central Havana, near the Malecón and about 15 minutes walk to Old Havana, a nice little walk. In short, a highly recommended place to spend a few days in Havana. Alberto is also a good conversationalist and a great guide. Enjoy the experience!

The Tryp Habana Libre Hotel (once the Havana Hilton) has become the most popular hotels in the Cuban capital. Although it's clear that the hotel needs some restoration, this is more than made up for by its great location. The views are stunning: the rising sun woke me every morning offering me a unique view of the capital in the morning. The rooms are spacious and airy, with wide, comfortable beds. The bathroom is fine, if a little old. Throughout the hotel there's a special emphasis on the works of Cuban painters and sculptors. The staff are always very friendly and willing to help. Best of all is breakfast, where Spanish chefs oversee every detail and serve up a variety of juices, fruits, cereals, breads and pastries, although the coffee is quite poor. But I don't care about that, or the slightly ageing decor ... I'll be sure to come back here!

I stayed at this hotel for 4 days in October 2011, and I can only say it was an amazing stay. We stayed in the Tower, which is an annex to the old part of the new buidling. The room was lovely and very modern, and the bathroom was big and fully equipped. In general, all the facilities were amazing. The views from the rooftop are some of the best you´ll get (central park, the Capitol, the Galician center ...) incredible!

The most interesting thing about this hotel is no doubt that Ernest Hemingway stayed here whenever he visited Havana. There are pictures of him in the lobby and in the cafeteria and on the 5th floor is his room that you can visit only for 2 Cubas pesos. The guide tells you many curiosities about his visits to Havana, his affairs etc.

My partner and I were there in Viñales a few weeks ago and we loved it. It's a beautiful place with incredible natural surroundings where you can do many activities. I would definitely recommend it to all travellers to Cuba. I'd also recommend the house where I stayed, Villa Los Angeles, which is located five minutes from the center of Viñales. We had the house to ourselves. It was a newly built house with all new appliances and furniture, with a porch, lounge, dining room and kitchen. The bedrooms was spacious with a closet where we could keep clothes, and it has AC and an ensuite. The bathroom was very nice and spacious with hot and cold water at all times. The owner lived behind the house so we had service at all times for anything we needed. They served us meals that were great and also helped arrange all kinds of tours. We recommend this house for privacy, location and the good attention received. Here's the website: http://elrincondeamauri.zxq.net

I would also recommend Magui House in the center of Habana, which is near the boardwalk and minutes from Old Havana. It's a big house, where each room is in a separate area, kind of like a hotel. We were on the third floor, which consisted of a balcony with views, an air conditioned room with TV, refrigerator, dining room and kitchen. An affordable price and the owner is very friendly and talkative, transparent and willing to help us in whatever we asked for. The perfect place to spend a few days in Havana.

We arrived at this hotel by chance as we had booked a lower-rated one and we ended up changing due to some problems in the first one. The change turned out great as this one provided exceptional service, spacious and comfortable rooms, and an unforgettable a la carte breakfast. Great location in the center of Havana near the Plaza Vieja and the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis.

We went to Havana when the Novotel Miramar had opened its doors only six months ago. In fact, they had not been inaugurated. Moreover, it was inaugurated when we were there. It is in the heart of Old Havana, even in the neighborhood of Miramar, a fancy neighborhood where there are all the embassies and consulates, diplomats, etc.. The truth is that it took us about twenty minutes to get to Old Havana, but the hotel offers a free minibus which runs every half hour and with several stops where you can catch it. It is modern, with a huge pool that is quite luxurious and with good restaurant. The breakfast buffet is amazing. But the best part for me was the official opening party. One day public relations told us that they were going to have the party and of course all the guests were invited. So with our best clothes and showed up at the party which started in the pool. There was a line of waiters with daiquiris, mojitos, etc ... And that's how we ended. But the best was when they started to lead off with celebrities, and we ended up dancing the conga with Javier Sotomayor, the jumping world champion, Stevenson, the boxer and more. The music was put on by a rapper from the island that everyone knew except us, but the truth is that was the night I remember most of that spent in Havana. The hotel is highly recommendable, except for the location. And what lovely people.

The Hotel Sevilla offers a prime location, being situated on a quiet street near the beautiful Paseo del Prado, just a short walk from all the important sights of Old Havana. Luxurious and welcoming, the Hotel Sevilla is a masterpiece of colonial architecture.

I will not recommend this hotel, although the location is great and the hotel is very nice. The reception, however, is horrible and unfriendly. On the first day, we were also given a room with no ventilation, no hot water, with a lot of noise...basically, not what you'd expect from a 4 star. The second day, we managed to get a different room and when we returned to Havana, they told us they had problems with the rooms and we changed to another (luckily1).

In this house, I've lived the best moments of my life here. Mrs. Zenaida and her entire family played large parts in my many trips to Havana, and my family that I appreciate all all their attention, affection and friendship. What I remember most are the meals: breakfasts with all those tropical fruits (mango, guava, papaya ...) ummmmmmm! Recommended by: Manuela and Jose

This home is recommended, especially for those who want to see and experience the oldest part of Havana and enjoy a beautiful old colonial house in the center of Colonial Havana. It caters for couples, families and young travelers. It is located near tourist attractions such as La Cabaña, Havana Cathedral, the Church of the Angel, Hotel Sevilla, home of the Bishop of Havana, Bodeguita del Medio, Palace of the General Captains (museum), Alejo Carpentier Cultural Center , Colonial Art Museum, Coffee O'reilly, The Bosquesito (Cafeteria), Restaurante El Patio, Hotel Ambos Mundos Hotel's Panorama, Hotel Palacio O'farrill, Capitol of Havana, Cafe Paris, Hotel Florida, Monserrate Bar, Restaurant The Zaragozana, Restaurant Castillo de Farnes. They rent three bedrooms, with a bathroom, in a nice, spacious house. It offers beautiful views of Old Havana. The rooms are located inside peoples homes, but they are independent and offer complete privacy. - The price is approximately CUC .. 25.00 to 30.00 for a double room (for one or two people).

This huge hotel is conveniently located along the Malecon. It was built in the late 50's and still retains that air of the 60s. It is said one of the most feared gangsters of America and Italy, Al Capone, stayed here.

This luxury hotel dates back to the 1930's, having been built as part of a wave of tourism in Havana. It became famous for its music, as Cuban musicians like the first Anacaonas - an orchestra composed entirely of women - delighted visitors with the new rhythms of the time. It is now one of the city's most distinguished five star hotels, with guests including the Spanish poet Rafael Alberti and the singer Beyonce and her husband Jay Z. Address: Paseo del Prado, no. 603, corner of Dragons, La Habana Vieja. Cuba.

The Experience with Hostal Casanovas was great, and could not be better. Living at Casanovas's family meant being surrounded by real, local, down-to-earth people. I just felt this is what all tourists should experience. Central location, safe environment, great food, friendly people. Our stay in Havana couldn't have been better, thanks to this inn, the owner, and the family, and of course the location. Breakfast with fresh fruit, fresh juice, bread, eggs, and everything you can think of for breakfast, with delicious coffee! Also, dinner was great! They prepared what you want to eat, with the special Cuban touch with delicious dessert!.